Ingrown toenails

Symptoms: Over time everybody's toenails can undergo all sorts of changes. They can become brittle, curved, discoloured or infected. Some of these changes are normal, others are inflicted by injury, warts, infections or poor nail hygiene. Older people with poor circulation are more likely to have nails which are discoloured or darkened, thick or brittle or have narrow ridges running from the nail bed to the side. Ingrown toenails are a very common problem. They are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue to either side of the nail, often leading to irritation, redness and infection.

Causes: Ingrown toenails are often caused by improperly trimmed nails, injury, fungus infection or wearing too tight shoes or socks.

Treatment: You can relieve the discomfort by bathing your foot in salty warm water. This will prevent infection and reduce the inflammation. Keep the nail clean and rest your foot.

 

Prevention: Ingrown toenails can be prevented when trimming them straight across. Do not cut down the side, which can let splinters of nail damage the soft tissue to either sides of the nail, allowing infections to develop. Make sure your shoes are roomy enough and in the correct size. If you feel that you do not have the eyesight, strength or skill to trim your nails properly, seek the help of a foot health specialist (podiatrist).